Inflatable hat accessory

ABSTRACT

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a hat with inflatable accessories and/or projections. In embodiments, the hat may include an air pumping system disposed within the cap configured to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable projections, wherein if the inflatable projections are inflated they may be shaped and/or sized to represent a team&#39;s logo, slogan, mascot, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Provisional Application No. 61/865,760 filed on Aug. 14, 2013, which is fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Field of the Disclosure

Examples of the present disclosure are related to hat accessories. More particularly, embodiments relate to inflatable accessories coupled to a hat or an article of clothing configured to be disposed on a user's head.

2. Background

A conventional hat is a type of head covering that can be worn for protection against the elements, part of a uniform, or as a fashion accessory. A hat may have a soft cap with a rounded crown and a stiff bill projecting in the front of the hat. Conventionally, the front of the cap may have a billboard surface that includes designs, logos, slogans, etc. of teams, products, or companies. The back of a conventional hat may be fitted to be sized to the wearer's head or may be adjusted to fit different wearers.

Other ornamental hats may be designed in the form of headgear that may have a permanent ornamental design, such as a Viking helmet or jester's cap. However, these types of hats are fixed as ornamental headgear and cannot be worn as conventional hats.

Accordingly, needs exists for inflatable hat accessories that are coupled to a hat that can be inflated, deflated, and disposed within the hat.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a hat with inflatable accessories and/or projections (referred to hereinafter collectively and independently as “projections”). In embodiments, the hat may include an air pumping system disposed within the cap configured to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable projections.

In embodiments, the air pumping system may be positioned within the hat, and include elements that may be pressed on an outer surface of the hat while a user is wearing the hat. The air pumping system may include a pump, a one way valve, and an air release valve.

In embodiments, the pump may be configured to hold air and to be pressed by a user. Responsive to the pump being pressed, air within the pump may travel through tubing past the one way valve. Responsive to the pump no longer being pressed, air may enter into the pump.

In embodiments, the one way valve may be a valve that control of air in one direction, wherein the one way valve may be a check valve, clack valve, etc. The one way valve may be configured to receive air from the pump on a first side of the pumping system and to hold and store the air on a second side of the pumping system to inflate the projections.

In embodiments, the air release may be a relief valve configured to control or limit the pressure of the air on the second side of the pumping system. The air release valve may be configured to be pressed so air on the second side of the pumping system may be removed from the pumping system and/or the inflatable projections. Responsive to the air release valve being pressed, air pressure on the second side of the pumping system may be decreased, lowered, or controlled, which may deflate the inflatable projection.

In embodiments, responsive to the air pressure on the second side of the pumping system being increased, the inflatable projection may be filled with air and be inflated. As the air pressure on the second side of the pumping system increases, the inflatable projection may increase in size. Responsive to the release valve being pressed, the air pressure on the second side of the pumping system may decrease the size of the inflatable projection.

In embodiments, if the air pressure within the second side of the pumping system is decreased, the inflatable projection may be positioned in a first position within a pocket disposed on the hat. As the air pressure within the second side of the hat increases, the inflatable projection may increase in size, be displaced out of the first position and into a second position that extends away from a surface of the hat.

In embodiments, the inflatable projection may include two projections disposed on different sides of the hat, wherein air pressure within the two projections is controlled by a single pump and air release valve.

In embodiments, the inflatable projection may be configured to represent a team's mascot, symbol, logo, etc. if the inflatable projection is inflated and in the second position.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a hat with pumping system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a hat with inflatable projections, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a hat with inflatable projections, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a hat with inflatable projections, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart for inflating and deflating an inflatable projection coupled to a hat, according to an embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments.

Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of any term or terms with which they are utilized. Instead, these examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to one particular embodiment and as being illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized will encompass other embodiments which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or terms. Language designating such nonlimiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limited to: “for example,” “for instance,” “e.g.,” and “in one embodiment.”

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a hat 100, wherein hat 100 may include an air pumping system 110 and inflatable projection 120.

Hat 100 may be any type of article of clothing configured to be positioned on-top of a user's head. Hat 100 may be comprised of a wide variety of materials including cotton, rubber, metal, plastics, wool, nylon, acrylic, etc., and may be manufactured in a variety of shapes and/or size that are configured to be positioned on a user's head.

Hat 100 may include a bill 102, an inner surface 104, an outer surface 106, and a pocket 108. Bill 102 may be a brim projecting away from hat 100, wherein bill 102 may be configured to project away from hat 100 to shield a user's eyes from the sun or other light source. Inner surface 104 may be an internal surface of hat 100 that is configured to be positioned adjacent to the user's head and receive the user's head when the user is wearing hat 100. Inner surface 104 may include a headband (not shown). The headband may be a piece of fabric having a base that extends along the circumference of inner surface 104, and having a height that extends upward towards the crown of hat 100. The height of the headband may be any desired height. In embodiments, the headband may be a flap, projection, etc. that may be configured to rotate along the circumference of inner surface 104, such that the headband may be placed adjacent to inner surface 104 and rotate away from inner surface 104 to not be adjacent to inner surface 104. Outer surface 106 may be an exterior surface of hat 100. In embodiments, outer surface 106 and inner surface 104 may meet along the circumference of inner surface 104.

Pocket 108 may be a slit, opening, etc. disposed on outer surface of hat 100. In embodiments, pocket 108 may be positioned in a horizontal manner parallel to the circumference of inner surface 104. However, in other embodiments pocket 108 may be positioned in any desired orientation and/or position along outer surface 104. Pocket 108 may include an opening disposed on outer surface 106 and may include be a bag or envelope disposed within inner surface 104. In embodiments, pocket 108 may be a small bag or pouch configured to store inflatable projection 120 if inflatable projection 120 is not inflated. Responsive to inflatable projection 120 being inflated, inflatable projection 120 may move from a first positioned disposed within the bag within inner surface 120 to a second position projecting away from pocket 108. If inflatable projection 120 is positioned inside of pocket 108, no portion of inflatable projection may be positioned outside of pocket 108.

Air pumping system 110 may be configured to control air flow within hat 100 to inflate and/or deflate inflatable projection 120. Portions of air pumping system 110 may be disposed on inner surface 104, outer surface 106, and be configured to traverse inner surface 104 to outer surface 106. In embodiments, air pumping system 110 may include pump 112, tubing 114, one way valve 116, and air release valve 118.

Pump 112 may be a pump configured to hold air and to be pressed by a user. Responsive to pump 112 being pressed, air within pump 112 may be configured to inflate inflatable projection 120. A first portion of pump 112 may be configured to projection away from outer surface 106, and a second portion of pump 112 may be positioned between the headband and inner surface 104 if the headband is adjacent to inner surface 104. In embodiments, the first portion of pump 112 may be positioned on outer surface 106, such that a user may inflate inflatable projection 120 without taking off hat 100.

Tubing 114 may be configured to receive air from pump 112, and transport the air to inflatable projection 120. Tubing 114 may be configured to receive air from pump 112 and inflate a first inflatable projection 120 on a first side of hat 100, transport air to a second side of hat 100, and inflate a second inflatable projection 120 on a second side of hat 100. Therefore, via tubing 114 a single pump 112 may inflate a plurality of inflatable projections 120 positioned at different locations of hat 100. Tubing 114 may be disposed within inner surface 104 of hat 100, and between inner surface 104 and the headband. Tubing 114 may be configured to be positioned in-between inner surface 104 and the headband along the circumference of hat 100, and extend into pocket 108 to inflate inflatable projection 120. In embodiments, tubing 114 may be configured to be positioned between the head band and inner surface 104, such that tubing 114 does not contact the user's head if hat 100 is being worn by the user.

One way valve 116 may be configured to control the air flow from pump 112 to inflatable projection 120. One way valve 116 may be a check valve, clack valve, etc. One way valve 116 may be configured to receive from pump 112 on a first side of air pumping system 110 and to hold and store the air on a second side of the air pumping system 110. One way valve 116 may be configured to receive air from pump 112 disposed on the first side of air pumping system 110, and store the received air on the second side of air pumping system 110. Responsive to receiving air from the first side of pumping system 110, the air pressure on the second side of air pumping system 110 may increase causing inflatable projection 120 to inflate, and extend away from outer surface 106 of hat 100. In embodiments, one way valve 116 may be positioned in between the headband and inner surface 104 of hat 100. In embodiments, a single one way valve 116 may be configured to control the air flow into a plurality of inflatable projections 120.

Air release valve 118 may be a relief valve configured to control or limit the pressure of the air on the second side of the pumping system. In embodiments, at least a portion of air release valve 118 may be disposed on outer surface 106 of hat 100, such that a user of hat 100 may press air release valve 118 while wearing hat 100. Air release valve 118 may be configured to be pressed so air on the second side of air pumping system 110 may be removed from pumping system 100 to deflate inflatable projection 120. Responsive to air release valve 118 being pressed, air pressure on the second side of the pumping system may be decreased, lowered, or controlled. In embodiments, a single air release valve 118 may be utilized to control or limit the pressure of air for a plurality of inflatable projections 120 coupled with hat 100.

Inflatable projection 120 may be configured to receive air to be inflated and release air to be deflated. Inflatable projection 120 may be comprised of rubber, latex, nylon fabric, or any other material that is configured to inflate to increase in size to extend away from hat 100 and deflate to decrease in size to conserve space. In embodiments, if inflatable projection 120 is inflated inflatable projection may be shaped and/or sized to represent a team's mascot, symbol, logo, etc. Inflatable projection 120 may be configured to be filled with air responsive to a user pressing pump 112. Inflatable projection 120 may be configured to be placed within pocket 108 if inflatable projection 120 is deflated. If inflatable projection 120 is inflatable or being inflated, inflatable projection 120 may automatically extend away from pocket 108 and/or hat 100 without the user touching hat 100. Responsive to pump 112 being pressed, air within pump 112 may be transported via tubing 114 from a first side of air pumping system 110 to a second side of pumping system that may delineated by one way valve 116, and inflate inflatable projection 120. In embodiments, responsive to the air pressure on the second side of the pumping system being increased, inflatable projection 120 may be inflated with air. As the air pressure on the second side of the pumping system increases, inflatable projection 120 may increase in size. Responsive to air release valve 118 being pressed, the air pressure on the second side of air pumping system 110 may decrease, and inflatable projection 120 may decrease in size. In embodiments, hat 100 may include a plurality of inflatable projections 120, which may be positioned at any position within or on hat 100. For example, in one embodiment, hat 100 may include two inflatable projections 120 with a first inflatable projection 120 being positioned on a right side of hat 100 and a second inflatable projection 120 positioned on a second side of hat 100. Inflatable projection 120 may also include lights configured to emit light and/or speakers configured to emit sound. In embodiments, inflatable projection 120 may emit light and/or sound responsive to the air pressure within inflatable projection 120 being above a light pressure threshold and/or a sound pressure threshold, respectively.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a hat 200 with inflatable projections 210(A) and 210(B), according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 2 may be substantially the same as elements depicted in FIG. 1, therefore for the sake of brevity an additional description of these elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 2, hat 200 includes two inflatable projections 210(A) and 210(B), where the inflatable projections 210A-B are inflated and positioned on different sides of hat 200.

Portions of air pumping system 110 may be positioned on the first side of hat 200, where tubing 114 may wrap around the circumference of hat 200 from air pumping system 110 to the second inflatable projection 210(B). As such, a single air pumping system 110 may be positioned on a first side of hat 200, where air pumping system 110 may be configured to provide air and control the air pressure within a plurality of inflatable projections 210A-B. In embodiments, responsive to pump 112 providing air to the plurality of inflatable projections 210A-B, both inflatable projections 210A-B may maintain equal air pressure on different sides of hat 200.

In embodiments, inflatable projections 210A-B may inflate to project away from hat 200 to modify the external, ornamental shape of hat 200 without modifying the shape and/or size of an internal surface of hat 200. Therefore, a user of hat 200 may not experience any discomfort or additional pressure if inflatable projections 210A-B are inflated. Further, if inflatable projections 210A-B are deflated they may be placed within pockets 108 such that hat 200 may be substantially the same size and/or shape of a normal hat.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of hat 200 with inflatable projections 210(A) and 210(B), according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 3 may be substantially the same as elements depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, therefore for the sake of brevity an additional description of these elements is omitted.

Projections 210A-B may be configured to project away from hat 200. In embodiment's projections 210A-B may be an extension of hat 200, which may be shaped and/or sized to represent a team's mascot and/or logo.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of hat 200 with inflatable projection 210A (not shown) disposed within pocket 108, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 4 may be substantially the same as elements depicted in FIGS. 1-3 therefore for the sake of brevity an additional description of these elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 4, inflatable projection 210A (not shown) may be in the deflated position and positioned within pocket 108. In embodiments, if inflatable projection 210A is in the deflated position, inflatable projection 210A may not project or extend away from hat 200. Therefore, inflatable projection 210A may be secured within pocket 108, and hat 200 may be worn as a conventional hat.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for inflating and deflating an inflatable projection coupled to a hat. The operations of method 500 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 500 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 500 are illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

At operation 510, a pump may be pressed to supply air to an inflatable projection. The pump may supply air to the inflatable projection via a tubing system positioned along an inner surface of the hat that is coupled to the pump. The pump may supply air that traverses a one way valve within the tubing system so that the inflatable projection may maintain a high air pressure if inflated. Operation 510 may be performed by an air pumping that is the same as or similar to air pumping system 510, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At operation 520, the inflatable projection may receive the air supplied by the air pumping system. Responsive to the inflatable projection receiving the air supplied by the air pumping system, the inflatable projection may increase in size. If the inflatable projection increases in size, the inflatable projection may be inflated and automatically removed, without being touched by the user, from a pocket disposed along the outer surface of the hat. In embodiments, the inflatable projection may be shaped and/or sized to represent a team's mascot and/or logo if inflated. Operation 520 may be performed by an inflatable projection that is the same as or similar to inflatable projection 120, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At operation 530, an air pressure release valve may be pressed to deflate the inflatable projection. The air pressure release valve may be positioned on an outer surface of the hat so that the valve may be pressed without the user removing the hat. Responsive to the air pressure release valve being pressed, air within the inflatable projection may be removed, air pressure within the inflatable projection may be decreased, and the inflatable protection may be deflated. Operation 530 may be performed by an air release valve that is the same as or similar to air release valve 118, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At operation 540, the deflated inflatable projection may be inserted into the pocket on the outer surface of the hat. The deflated inflatable projection may be positioned such that no portion of the inflatable projection extends outside of the pocket. Operation 540 may be performed by an inflatable projection that is the same as or similar to inflatable projection 120, in accordance with one or more implementations.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present embodiments. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the flow diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable hat accessory comprising: a hat configured to be positioned on a head of a user; an inflatable accessory configured to be positioned on the hat; an air pumping system positioned within the hat, the air pumping system being configured to inflate and deflate the inflatable accessory.
 2. The inflatable hat accessory of claim 1, wherein the air pumping system includes an inflate button positioned on an outer surface of the hat.
 3. The inflatable hat accessory of claim 2, wherein the air pumping system includes internal tubing configured to connect the inflate button and the inflatable accessory, wherein the internal tubing is positioned between the outer surface of the hat and the head of the user. 